CITY OF WILLARD PUBLIC SAFETY DRONE UNIT
The City of Willard is at the forefront of tomorrow's technology with the recent grant purchase of two drones to help prevent accidents to city personnel and assist in emergencies. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation awarded funds for the City to purchase these drones that can quickly be activated in an array of incidents to keep city personnel safe. For instance, one drone was recently used to inspect a water tower. The drone kept the city employee out of harm's way by not having to climb the tower for an inspection. In a training exercise, the drone was able to drop a life jacket in the middle of the reservoir, where it would take a boat several more minutes to get to a struggling swimmer. Additionally, the drone has been used to search for a missing child, assist fire personnel in active fires with its infrared camera (the drone can easily identify hot spots in buildings from above), provide area surveys for public works and other city projects, and can provide aerial views of community projects, such as the installation of the clock tower.
CITY OF WILLARD DRONE EQUIPMENT
CITY OF WILLARD REMOTE PILOTS
Annual Report
Special Thanks to Owen Fritz and Bruce Chambers from Tiffin University Drone Academy for all their assistance in establishing a successful drone program for the city.